One of the smallest places in the world, Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China. A former Portuguese trading post, Macau was an overseas province of Portugal that was handed back over to China in 1999. Situated 70 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong near the Pearl River and 145 kilometers from Guangzhou, Macau was one of the oldest European colonies in China, dating back to the 16th century.
Made up of a peninsula and the two islands of Taipa and Coloane, Macau is so small that its territory covers just 23.5 square kilometers. Although it is so tiny, Macau is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with over 470,000 people living here. Originally known by the Chinese as Hou Kong or Hou Keang, Macau is one of China’s best kept secrets. A bustling lively place, this city is known throughout the world as the “Monaco of the East”,and is renowned for its gambling and casinos. One of Asia's most unique destinations, Macau is the perfect blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
Macau Peninsula
A densely populated city with bright lights, the Macau peninsula is where all the action takes places in Macau. At the heart of the peninsula is the busy Largo Do Senado (Senate Square), the town square, which is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous buildings such as the Leal Senado and the Church of Sao Domingos. With its unique Mediterranean style, this town square is where everything happens in the city. Behind Leal Senado among the quiet streets are a cluster of churches such as the Sao Agostinho, Sao Jose and Sao Lorenco Churches, along with the Dom Pedro V Theatre.
There is plenty of shopping in Macau especially at St. Dominic’s Market just off Senate Square. Here everything from household items to the latest designer clothing and accessories are sold here. Along the road running between the square and the Leal Senado are dozens of gold and jewelry shops as well.
Overlooking the Largo do Senado on the hillside lies the Monte Fort and the Ruinas de Sao Paulo, both symbolizing Macau’s rich Portuguese heritage. The Museum of Macau is also located here. Near the Ruinas de Sao Paulo and the inner harbor are many small streets filled with Chinese antiques and are great places for bargain hunting. Also close to the hillside are the ruins of the Santo Antonio Church and the Old Protestant Cemetery, as well as the beautiful Cameos Gardens.
Further towards Guia Hill is the Catholic cemetery of Saint Michael, Saint Lazarus Church, the Lou Lim Ioc Gardens and the Sun Yat Sen Memorial House. Guia Hill is the largest of the Macau hills, with a cable car to take visitors to the top. Here they can see the gorgeous Flora Gardens, and the Guia Fort, Light house and Chapel.
Further north of the city is the Kun Iam Temple, the Mong Ha Fort and the Canidrome. Most of the area north of the city is mainly residential, however also located here is the Barrier Gate, the former border crossing between Macau and China.
South of the peninsula are many old Chinese shops and houses as well as the Rua da Felicidade and Barra Hill. Located near Barra Hill is the former Barra Fort as well as Penha Church, the Maritime Museum and A-Ma Temple.
Extensive land reclamation along the outer harbor of Macau has created the city’s business district. Also found here are the Dr. Carlos D'Assumpcao Park, Kun Iam Statue, the Macau Cultural Centre and the Macau Museum of Art. Many waterfront bars and cafes are also found around here. The original harbor of the city is now home to a multitude of hotels and casinos that offer a great view of the ocean.
Taipa
Situated a short distance from the center of Macau is the island of Taipa. Reachable by bridge, Taipa is a great alternative destination, away from the hustle and bustle of Macau. Located near the picturesque Taipa Village are the Macau Stadium and the Macau Jockey Club and Race Track. Also situated on the island is the Macau international Airport. Some of the best Chinese and Portuguese restaurants are also found on the island of Taipa.
Coloane
Further south of Taipa is the island of Coloane with its beautiful green hills and amazing scenery. Linked to Taipa by a causeway, Coloane is the perfect weekend retreat as much of this island remains undeveloped and undisturbed apart from Coloane Village and a few industrial complexes. Located on the island are the Seac Pai Van Park, an extensive golf course and some of the most beautiful beaches in China ‘Cheoc Van’ or Bamboo Bay, and ‘Hac Sa’ or Black Sand beach.
